How early (what age) is too early to start?

[RyderSim]

I bought my son a set of Cleveland junior clubs when he was 4mo old and he drug them around the house for a few years until he could swing them. When he was 2, and could swing the club, I started in the back yard. I moved to the driving range at about 2.5, then last summer (3.5) I took him to the course for the first time. I went to a course that I knew would be jammed up the whole day and while we were waiting on our next shot, he would drop a ball and hit it around. Since then I have taken him quite a few times on slow days where the course is empty and he loves it. I just got my daughter her first set so hopefully she enjoys it as much as him. Good luck!

[Undr Par]

never too young to get a child hooked on Golf.....personally speaking my 4 yr old Daughter and 2 yr old son have had a Little Tikes set for awhile now....and when I'm out in the backyard hitting around the wiffle golf balls they do the same.......for me I'm not doing it for them too be the next Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson....(see that way too much at the ranges) I'm doing it that way they have something they do can at all ages of their lifes and enjoy it as well and look forward to being able for them to play with me.....

[OHS1Golfer]

i dont think there is an age that is "too young" the MOST important thing in starting a kid in golf is to get clubs tht fit their swing! it helps alot.

[ERC7.5]

  RyderSim said:

I bought my son a set of Cleveland junior clubs when he was 4mo old and he drug them around the house for a few years until he could swing them. When he was 2, and could swing the club, I started in the back yard. I moved to the driving range at about 2.5, then last summer (3.5) I took him to the course for the first time. I went to a course that I knew would be jammed up the whole day and while we were waiting on our next shot, he would drop a ball and hit it around. Since then I have taken him quite a few times on slow days where the course is empty and he loves it. I just got my daughter her first set so hopefully she enjoys it as much as him. Good luck!

Thank you! And good luck to you too!

  Undr Par said:

never too young to get a child hooked on Golf.....personally speaking my 4 yr old Daughter and 2 yr old son have had a Little Tikes set for awhile now....and when I'm out in the backyard hitting around the wiffle golf balls they do the same.......for me I'm not doing it for them too be the next Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson....(see that way too much at the ranges) I'm doing it that way they have something they do can at all ages of their lifes and enjoy it as well and look forward to being able for them to play with me.....

That's pretty much why I thought I'd get him going....plus it gives us some nice time together....which was reason #1!

  OHS1Golfer said:

i dont think there is an age that is "too young" the MOST important thing in starting a kid in golf is to get clubs tht fit their swing! it helps alot.

I'm not so concerned with getting him clubs that fit him (I've yet to be properly fitted

). I just hope I can get rid of this crosshanded grip Seeing him get the ball in the air was a proud moment!

[golfguy007]

I think that as long as you're not forcing it on them and they have fun with it, there is no "too young". Golf can be something that all ages in the family can enjoy together.

[talormade1021]

i think it would be ok as long as you arnt holding anybody up

[JonnyRockets]

A couple more things!

Search for toddler / child golf on youtube - you'll fin a lot of videos.

I read an article recently on Junior golfing (After my previous post.) they have junior golf tournaments . . . and the way they do them is really neat. Par 3 course . . . everyone gets a certain amount of shots - say 32. After 32 shots - you're done - and a flag goes in the ground where your last shot ends. the one who gets furthest around the course is the winner.

I could see this being pretty neat for a fun game with the kid . . . see if they can beat their last "round." It's easier for them to relate to rather than the number score I guess, and keeps it even more fun for them.

Can also work it into practice for yourself. you let ytour child go first - and your goal is to land your ball as close to his / hers as possible. Good short game practice.

[Jeepthrills]

The 1st tri-mester. Once the pregnancy get's to the second, you should start playing golf audio books around the mother and have her watching video highlights of Tiger.

As soon as they start to show an intrest. Let them take the lead. Don't try to build the next Tiger or you may push them away instead of towards the game.

[pinbacksc]

I think when the child takes interest in the sport then it is time to start. I read a book about golf by Harvey Penick and he mentioned that. i know that i started when i was maybe 8 years-old. its a judgement thing i think.

[Undr Par]

  ERC7.5 said:

Thank you! And good luck to you too!

those are awesome pics man.....good for you ...teaching him a great game that he can play his entire life......

[Franco!]

Whenever one takes interest.
If it's 2, then it's 2. If it's 40, well, hopefully we'll see you on the Senior tour.

[ERC7.5]

  JonnyRockets said:

I read an article recently on Junior golfing (After my previous post.) they have junior golf tournaments . . . and the way they do them is really neat. Par 3 course . . . everyone gets a certain amount of shots - say 32. After 32 shots - you're done - and a flag goes in the ground where your last shot ends. the one who gets furthest around the course is the winner.

That sounds fun. I think my course has a junior league thing with lessons. Not sure of the age group but I might see if he'd like to do that next year or so.

  Jeepthrills said:

The 1st tri-mester. Once the pregnancy get's to the second, you should start playing golf audio books around the mother and have her watching video highlights of Tiger.

Shouldn't she be doing that anyway? lol

  Jeepthrills said:

As soon as they start to show an intrest. Let them take the lead. Don't try to build the next Tiger or you may push them away instead of towards the game.

10-4

  pinbacksc said:

I think when the child takes interest in the sport then it is time to start. I read a book about golf by Harvey Penick and he mentioned that. i know that i started when i was maybe 8 years-old. its a judgement thing i think.

Well....I got him a plastic set for his 1st birthday and he was always asking me to take him outside "dolfing"....even in the winter. I think he's at least somewhat interested.

  Undr Par said:

those are awesome pics man.....good for you

Thanks! I was quite surprised with how well they came out....being they were taking with my cell phone and the sun was so bright I couldn't really see the screen.

  Undr Par said:

teaching him a great game that he can play his entire life......

and a game the two of us can enjoy together!

  Franco! said:

Whenever one takes interest.

If it's 40, maybe we could be on a league together (I'll only be about 66/67)

The one league that I'm in has a 91 yr old that plays with his 35ish grandson. Pretty cool!

[davechen]

I got my twin 4 (almost 5) year olds some clubs this year. I've been taking them to the driving range since last year, and they seem to enjoy it. My boy is starting to develop a decent looking swing, especially his finishing position.

I didn't really teach them anything. They just picked things up from watching me and others. I just made sure their hands were in the right order. Left hand high for my son and right for my lefty daughter. Too bad they weren't both same handedness. I could have saved a set of clubs.

I haven't yet taken them on a course. It seems like it'd be better with a cart, but I walk almost all the time. Will the course people let kids ride along?

[ERC7.5]

  davechen said:

I got my twin 4 (almost 5) year olds some clubs this year. I've been taking them to the driving range since last year, and they seem to enjoy it. My boy is starting to develop a decent looking swing, especially his finishing position.

Awesome!

  davechen said:

I haven't yet taken them on a course. It seems like it'd be better with a cart, but I walk almost all the time. Will the course people let kids ride along?

I'm sure that depends on the course but every course that I've ever played at has a sign reading "Golf at your own risk". I'm sure that includes kids...in a cart or otherwise.

When we went, I let him "drive" (him in the drivers side holding the wheel with me right beside him holding on and controlling the wheel and pedals). I certainly am not ready to take him walking (although I'd rather)...i'd be carrying him and his clubs as well as my clubs after hole #4!

[pinbacksc]

  ERC7.5 said:

Well....I got him a plastic set for his 1st birthday and he was always asking me to take him outside "dolfing"....even in the winter. I think he's at least somewhat interested.

haha that is awesome.